Rescue craft



April 5, 1965 A. F. GRENGS ETAL 3,176,647

RESCUE CRAFT Filed May 8. 1961 INVENTOR A/ogs/us F Grenqs 5/72/00/1 ,4. fire/19s BY a who #QWEY United States Patent 3,176,647 RESCUE CRAFT Aloysius F. Grengs and Sheldon A. Grengs, both of 121 E. Sims, St. Paul, Filed May 8, 1961, Ser. No. 119,249 6 Claims. (Ci. 115--1) This invention relates to an improvement in power propelled rescue craft and is concerned particularly with an improvement in rescue craft particularly adapted without additional modification for use on snow, ice, or water, transportable by motor vehicle, ship, or aircraft to a desired point of use, and suitable for use as a package unit for rescue purposes,

The primary object of the present invention is to pro- Vide a device adaptable Without modification for use on snow, ice, or water, having structural rigidity and lightness of weight, adapted to use different means for propulsion, possessing unusual stability through its structural conformation and low center of gravity and providing a floatable, slidable support means in the form of pontoons spaced outwardly in parallel relation from the longitudinal axis of the rescue craft, there being at least two pontoons in spaced parallel relation rearwardly of the intermediate portion of rescue craft and at least one pontoon spaced forwardly of the intermediate portion of the rescue craft. In the preferred construction spaced parallel pontoons are provided both rearwardly and forwardly of the intermediate portion of the rescue craft. Particular aspects of the desired objects will be treated in subsequent paragraphs.

Some types of rescue craft intended for dual usage on land or water use a form of craft having a hull resembling a boat hull for use in water, and wheels attached to the hull for use on land. This feature of a hull and attached wheels renders them relatively unusable in soft snow, or under slippery icy conditions, or when the ice on water is relatively thin and will not support the craft.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rescue craft adapted to use an airplane type motor having an air propeller as a means of propulsion, and further adapted to use outboard motors of the conventional type as the propulsion means in water if desired. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rescue craft particularly adaptive to emergency means of propulsion, such as sails, when necessary.

It is a further important object of the present invention to provide a rescue craft particularly adapted for use on ice, snow, or water without modification for such multiple usage. The adaptability of the present invention is achieved through the use of floating and sliding means in the form of pontoons of a form allowing them to be readily Operable on ice, snow, or water without loss of effectiveness.

It is a further important object of the present invention to provide a rescue craft having unusual stability. It is highly necessary that craft which are usable in water should possess a high degree of stability. It is more important that rescue craft should be stable, because of the necessity for use of the craft under adverse weather and water conditions. In the event the craft is designed to be used on water and on snow, or ice, it is of the greatest importance that stability is retained when used on all types of surfaces, whether they be ice, snow, or water. Maneuverability of a rescue craft is greatly reduced if the craft is unstable under adverse weather conditions, or when carrying heavy loads. A further requirement for rescue craft is that they provide a stable platform from which the res cue activities may be carried on. It is an object of the present rescue craft to provide a rescue craft possessing the stable qualities desired, and having a center of gravity sufficiently low so as to be usable under a variety of weather conditions and under variations in load weights while retaining the stableness required and remaining maneuverable.

A further important feature of the present invention lies in a rescue craft having a high degree of buoyancy.

. The pontoons providing the sliding and floating means are attached to the rescue craft outwardly of the frame sections, and are of sufiicient size to provide the desired buoyancy, while furthering the retention of stability, and making possible the low center of gravity. A feature of the pontoon sliding and floating means lies in a pontoon having a valve through which moisture may be removed from the pontoon, and sealing means placed in the pontoon, In the event that unusual strength is required for extensive or extended usage of the craft over rough surfaces, the valve means of the pontoon provide access for the addition of foam for the increase in the structural strength of the pontoon.

A further important object of the present invention lies in a rescue craft operable at relatively high speeds on snow or ice and in rough water. In the present invention, pivotal attaching means are provided pivotally attaching the pontoons to the supporting strut members attached to the frame, such pivotal attachment providing an adjustable means enabling the pontoons to adjust to the terrain or the roughness of the water, and avoid any tendency to dig into the Wave or the obstructing snow or ice.

A further important feature of the present invention lies in a rescue craft combining lightness in weight with structural strength making the rescue craft readily transport-able by motor vehicle, ship or aircraft to a point where the services of the craft are required. Many rescue craft suitable for rescue operations sacrifice the light weight in order to obtain the structural strength necessary for rescue usage. It is a feature of the present invention to provide a rescue craft providing lightness and structural strength without sacrificing either. The desired feature is obtained through the use of integral construction of tubular frame and supporting members combined with other components of the structure into a unit.

In general, present rescue craft are limited in the type of rescue operation for which they can be used. Because of this limitation, a multiplicity of rescue craft are required to perform the various rescue operations encountered. The advantages of one particular craft over another depends on the usage. Boats which are excellent on water are unusable on snow or ice; snow sleds are excellent on ice, and adequate on snow, but inoperable in water. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rescue craft usable on snow, ice, and water without loss of speed, lightweight, strength or utility.

' A further important object of the present invention lies in a rescue craft providing a passenger compartment forming an integral part of the rescue craft structure, and providing a-compartrnent for the carrying of many people or a large load, having means whereby the compartment may be protected from the weather and readily accessible. It is a further important object of the present invention to provide a passenger compartment from which injured persons may be readily reached, which is readily accessible to swimmers, and from which injured persons can be easily'removed. V A- further'important feature of the present invention ies in a rescue craft adaptedto carry such additional rescue equipment as inaybe needed or desired in order to enable the rescue craft to fulfill its mission. These and other objects and novel features of the pres:

ent invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specifications and claims.

3,175,647 Patented Apr. 6, 1965 In the drawings forming a part of the specifications:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the rescue craft.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the rescue craft.

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view of the rescue craft.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view of the front half of a pontoon showing the attachment of the pontoon snow and water deflector.

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of a pontoon illustrating the pivotal connections.

FIGURE 6 is an elevation of a typical spindle.

The rescue craft is comprised of a frame of tubular supporting and structural members. As can be seen from the illustration of FIGURE 1,.the rescue craft is generally rectangular in overall shape. The end sections of the frame, generally indicated as a front end section 6, and a rear end section 8, are formed of tubular members. The front end section 6 is covered by a panel 10. The front end section 6 is enclosed by a shield generally indicated by the number 12, which may be formed of Plexiglas or similar transparent readily repairable material. As is apparent from the illustrations of- FIGURES 1 and 3, the shield is of a generally rectangular outline in the front and on the two sides and provides an effective means of protecting the front platform from the weather. It will be noted that the front portion 14 of the shield is conformably attached to the side pieces 16 of the shield and is curved to form the top 1.8 of the shield 12.. As is more clearly apparent from FIGURES 1 and 2, a light 26 mounted on a tubular supporting shaft 22 is mounted through the front 14 of the shield 12 with the shaft 22 extending through the shield 12 with the light attached thereon to the said shaft 22. It will be apparent that the light may be used as a mast light for vessels or as a light for rescue operations by selection of the proper type of light fixture. As can be clearly seen in FIGURES l and 2, inverted U-shaped rails are provided on both sides of the front end section and extend upwardly from the panel section. The generally U-shaped rail sections 24 are used as a tie down means for objects on the panel section and as a hand hold in rough water.

The rear end section 8 as is apparent from FIGURE 1 is a generally rectangular section having a panel covering 26 and in general forms a platform section generally'coplanar with the front platform 10. As can be seen, the rear end section 8 has inverted U-shaped rail sections 28 on both sides similar to the rail sections on the front end section 6. These rail sections serve as a means whereby objects placed on the rear section may be tied down, and tofurther prevent objects from falling over the side. As is further evident from the illustrations, and is perhaps shown most clearly in FIGURE 2, the rear section has attached thereto intermediately between'its sides an engine support section 30. Support and strengthening members generally indicated by 32 are attached to the engine section 30, and to the framework in a manner. laterdescribed. As is clearly indicated in the drawing of FIG- URE 2, the airplane type. engine 34 may be mounted on an engine stand generally indicated by the number .36, of suflicient height to provide clearance for a propeller 38. Encircling the propeller 38 of the engine 34 is a cowling 4t] and safety screen 42 attached to the rear end section 8 protecting occupants and objects from the propeller. A rudder 44 for use with the aircraft type engine 34 is attached to the engine section to the rear, and is operated by-conventional .control means not shown in detail.

As isillustrated in FIGURE 1 and 2, suitable means for the attaching of rescue equipment onthe outside'of the end sections is provided. A life ring 46 is shown attached to the rear end section 8. As is apparent, additional attaching means may be utilized as the circumstances of use require.

It' can be further seenfrom the illustrations of FIG-.

URES 1 and 2, that lifting rings ,48 and 5t are'attached to the side of the frontend section 6 and rear end section I 3. Similar rings are placed on the opposite side of the rescue craft in the same relative position as those illustrated. The rings 48 and 50 are securely attached to the end sections 6 and 8 enabling the craft to be raised or lowered by attachment to a suitable lifting device such as a sling from a boom or a helicopter. The rings are further adapted for use as a means of securing the rescue craft to a mooring or dock.

FIGURES 1, 2, and 3 illustrate a center section 52 of t the rescue craft designed to form a passenger compartment. In the preferred form, the center compartment section 52 is of a generally cylindrical shape providing greater structural strength and making the compartment 52 and end sections 6 and 8 a rigid unit.

As can be seen a ladder 54 is mounted on the side of the compartment 52. A similar ladder is mounted on the other side of the compartment 52, but is not shown in the illustration. The ladder 54 provides a means of entry or descent from the passenger compartment 52.

In thepreferred form of construction as is illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the rescue craft is supported on strut members pivotally attached to pontoons. The drawings illustrate a craft supported on spaced parallel pontoons. As can be seen from FIGURE 3, the pontoons are spaced in parallel relation on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis outwardly of the sides .of the frame. The spaced relation of the pontoons enables the craft to have a higher stability and a lower center of gravity. As is illustrated, forward pontoons 56 are parallel, and spaced outwardly on opposite-sides of the longitudinal axis of the forward end of the rescue craft. The rear pontoons 58 are parallel, and spaced outwardly on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the rear end of the rescue craft. The rear pontoons 58 are fastened in tandem relation to the forward pontoons 56. Strut members attached to the frame of the rescue craft are pivotally fastened to the pontoons. In the preferred form of construction shown in FIGURE 1, the strut member 60 has a spindle means 61 extending horizontally outwardly from the lower end of thestrut member 60. The pontoon has a flange 62 extending upwardly from the pontoon top having an aperture not shown extending transversely through the flange through which the spindle means 61 is designed to pass. The spindle means 61 is inserted through the aperture 63 of the pontoon flange 62 forming the pivotal attachment. Strut member 64 has a spindle means 65 extending horizontally outward from the lower end portion of the said member 64 designed to be inserted through the elongated arcuately vertical aperture 67 in the pontoon flange 66.

The rear pontoons are connected in the preferred form of construction by strut members 68, 72, and 76 which are generallyelongated and have respective spindle means 69, '73, and 77 extending horizontally outwardly from their respective lower end portions of said members 68, 72, and 76. As is illustrated by the drawing in FIGURES 1 and 5 spindle means 69 passes through a circular aperture 71 in the pontoon flange 70, spindle means 73 passes through an elongated arcuately vertical aperture 75 in pontoon flange 74, and spindle means 77 passes through an elongated arcuately vertical aperture 79 in pontoon of the apertures employed in the preferred form of construction which extend transversely through the pontoon flanges. In the preferred construction shown illustrating a rear pontoon in FIGURE 5, the pontoon flange nearest theforward end of the pontoon is shown in perspective and is generally numbered 70. As is apparent from the drawing the forward flange includes a generally circular aperture 71 through which a spindle 69 connected horizontally outwardly from the lower end of a strut mem ber 68 is designed to pass. the pontoon flange 70 which is the flange shown nearest to the, forward end of the pontoon have been generally numbered 74 and78. It willbe noted that the'flanges 74 The flanges to the rear of and 78 have elongated arcuately vertical apertures which extend transversely through the said flanges 74, 78 and through which spindle means 73, 77 extending horizontally outwardly from the lower end of strut members 73, 76 are designed to pass. The preferred form of construction of the spindle means is shown in FIGURE 6 illustrating a spindle 69 projecting outwardly horizontally from a strut 68 and having a bearing surface at its inner end against which the side of the pontoon flange 83 bears when the spindle 69 is inserted through the flange aperture. As is apparent the pontoon is pivotally adjustable to the terrain about the spindle means. The pontoon illustrated in FIGURE is pivotal about the spindle 69, and the extent of pivotal movement is limited by engagement of spindle means 73, 77 with the aperture ends 75, 79. The provision of pontoon pivotal movement enables the pontoon to be used in rough water and over irregular terrain, such pivotal movement reducing the likelihood of the bow of the pontoon digging into an obstruction in its path. A fastening means of the conventional type is shown and generally indicated as 81 attached to the end of the spindle 69. As will be understood, the intention is to provide a spindle passing through a circular aperture in flanges connected to the top of the pontoon, which flanges 83 as shown in FIGURE 6 may be parallel and have correspond ing apertures for increased bearing surfaces for the spindle means. Since the front and rear pontoons are pivotally attached to their respective spindles in the same manner, each pontoon therefore is individually pivotal about its particular spindles.

The forward portion of the pontoons are of a generally boat shaped conformation having a bow section in which the bow is formed by the sides of the pontoon curving inwardly, the bow stem curving generally upward from the keel. A wave and snow deflector 80 having the pointed shape of the bow is attached to the gunwale edges 84 of the bow of the pontoon. As the drawings illustrate, the deflector 80 is detachable from the bow of the pontoon if desired and may be replaced on the gunwale bow edges 84 using suitable fastening means.

The stern end of the pontoons is of a generally irregular hexagonal shape. The top and bottom portions of the pontoon are generally parallel throughout most of their length. The lower portions of the sides of the pontoon diverge outwardly and upwardly from the keel or bottom portion of the pontoon; the upper portions of the sides'are generally vertical from the lower side portions to the top of the pontoon. As can be seen, the pontoon has a top portion connecting the sides. Thus, the pontoon generally is of a boat shape with a top enclosure and is essentially a hollow tank. As is further illustrated, a

valve means 86 is attached to the top of the pontoon through which moisture may be removed from the pontoon. Sealing means and structural stiffening means such as foam may be inserted into the pontoon through the valve means if desired.

The rear pontoons 58 have in general the same conformation as the forward pontoons 56, but in addition have a fin keel 88 attached to the bottom of the pontoon to provide a means of decreasing the tendency of a relatively flat bottomed vessel to drift if moving crosswise. As is best illustrated in FIGURES l and 2, the keel fin 88 extends for a major portion of the length of the pontoon bottom to the general point where the stem section begins to curve upwardly. This elongated fin keel acts as a stabilizing and course maintaining device in the water, and serves as a runner when on ice.

Since the pontoons are of the same general configuration the rear pontoons may be interchanged with pontoons of the front or vice versa if the craft is to be usable on ice alone. The rear pontoons 58 are provided with a valve means 86 for the removal of moisture from within the pontoon by use of a suitable pumping or siphoning means, said valve means providing an opening whereby a sealing means may be inserted into the pontoon and a structural stiffener such as foam may be added.

In the normal operation of the rescue craft over a rough surface such as in waves, the pontoons move pivotally about their pivotal attachments causing the bow section of the pontoon to ride over the wave rather than to pass through it.

As can be seen in the drawings of FIGURES l, 2, and 3 the strut members hold the'forward pontoons 5'6 and rear pontoons 58 in spaced relation outwardly of the sides of the craft providing greater stability. The rear pontoons 53 are mounted in tandem behind corresponding forward pontoons. The front pontoons are parallel to each other as are the rear pontoons. Displacement of the parallel forward pontoons and parallel rear pontoons relative to the longitudinal axis of the craft with resultant lowering of craft height produces greater stability and provides a low center of gravity. Transverse tubular bracing 89 is provided as is best illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3 to which the brace means 90 is anchored. The transverse braces prevent the pontoons from moving outwardly or inwardly. Further bracing is provided in the form of triangular braces 92 between the transverse braces 89 and the frame portion 6, as is best shown in FIGURE 1.

Running lights 94 and 96 are illustrated in FIGURE 1 providing lights complying with present nautical laws in regard to vessels underway at night when used with the light 20 as a mast head light. An anchoring means 98 is attached to the intermediate portion of the front end section 6.

As has been previously indicated a motor 99 of the usual outboard type may be used as a propelling means for the craft by attachment to the engine support section and steered by use of conventional control means.

Rigid structural support members and 102 are shown in FIGURES l and 2 extending from the lower portion of the center compartment section to the front and rear end sections respectively. A valve means 104 is attached to the bottom of the center compartment section 52 providing a drain means for the compartment.

From the foregoing description of our invention it will be apparent that the rescue craft will provide an important addition to the field of rescue craft, and is readily adaptable to a variety of rescue conditions involving snow, ice, or water.

In accordance with the patent statutes, we have described the principles of construction and operation of our rescue craft, and while we have endeavored to set forth the best embodiment thereof, we desire to have it understood that changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departingfrom the spirit of our invention.

We claim: p v

l. A rescue craft including an elongated frame, a first pair of pontoons, means connecting said pontoons in parallel relation on opposite sides of the forward part of said frame, a second pair of pontoons, means connecting said second pontoons in parallel relation on opposite sides of the rearward part of said frame, and a passenger compartment secured to said frame intermediate the ends thereof and extending downwardly to a locus substantially in the plane of the upper surfaces of said pontoons.

2. A rescue craft having a frame, said frame including front and rear sections, a center section integrally adjoining said front and rear sections, an engine support section attached to said rear section for use in conjunction with a motor, said motor being of the conventionalldicraft type including an air propeller, a cowling encircling said propeller and attached to said rear section, a safety screen inserted in said cowling and attached thereto, a rudder for use with said engine and cooperably attached and positioned thereto, conventional controls for operating and controlling said rudder and engine, a means on said engine support sectionfor attachment thereto of a. motor of the conventional outboard type, an outboard motor detachably fastened to said engine support section, a shield cooperably enclosing the said front section, said shield being attached to the upper marginal edges of the sides and front of the said front section, said shield having a top portion connected to the sides and front of said shield, a rod extending through said shield top and attached to said front end section at one end and having a light on the other end of said rod, the front and rear sections having strut members attached thereto said members extending diagonally downwardly from said sections and out-.

the said pontoons, said pontoons having a water and snowdeflecting means detachably fastened to the upper mart ginal edges of the forward end portion of the said pontoons, said front and rear sections having lifting and tie down means attached intermediately outwardly from the said sides of the said front and rear sections, said front and rear sections having generally rectangular rail sections attached to the upper marginal side edges. of said front and rear sections, said center passenger compartment section having ladders attached outwardly of the sides of the said center section, a valve means attached to the lower side portion of the said center section, an anchor means attached outwardly of the intermediate front portion of the said front section, said spaced pontoons including at least two pontoons attached in spaced parallel relation rearwardly of said center compartment section and at least two additional pontoons spaced forwardly of said center compartment section 3. -A rescue craft comprising a frame structure having front and rear portions and a center passenger compartment section intermediate said front and rear portions structurally connecting said front and rear portions, unitary strut members having one end attached to the sides of said front and rear end portions and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom, pontoons pivotal about horizontal axes attached to the other end of strut members, each said pontoon being secured to said strut members at at least two points of pivotal engagement including a forward point and at least one point rearwardly of said forward point whereby each said pontoon is pivotal about said other end of each said strut member to which each said'pontoon is secured, said pontoons being pivotal in a vertical plane about said forward point of pivotal engagement with a front said strut at a generally fixed distance from said one end of said strut, each said other strut rearwardly of said front strut having generally vertical aperture means adjacent the said other end of said other strut in which means securing said pontoons for movement in a vertical plane reside, said pontoons being generally boat shaped in conformation, at least two of said pontoons being spaced rearwardly of, said center section and two of said pontoons spaced forwardly of said center section.

4. The structure of claim 3 and in which said pontoons have a bottom portion, a generally rectangular elongated structural keel extending longitudinally of the outer surface of said bottom portion, said keel having a forward end sloped into said pontoon bottom portion adapted to serve as a runner when said pontoons are on ice.

5. A rescue craft including a frame structure mounted on pontoons, said frame including front and rear end compartment section for use in carrying passengers, members extending diagonally downwardly and outwardly from the sides of said front and rear end portions, said members having transverse apertures in their lower ends extending therethrough, said center compartment section being substantially beneath the points on said sides from which said members extend diagonally downwardly and outwardly, means extending through said apertures pivotally connecting said pontoons to at least a pair of said members at their lower ends, said pontoons being movable about said pivotal connections in a vertical plane, said pontoons being of a generally elongated boat shaped conformation, a deflector attached to the upper marginal edges of the forward end portion of the said pontoon whereby said pontoons are adapted toride over waves and snow, said pontoons being held in spaced relation to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the rescue craft, there being at least two of said pontoons attached rearwardly and two additional pontoons attached forwardly of said,

center compartment section.

6. The structure of claim 3 and in which said center compartment section is substantially beneath the points on said sides to which said strut members are attached.

7 References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Meek 11461 X MILTON BUCHLER, .Primary Examiner.

.ANDREW H. FARRELL, Examiner. 

1. A RESCUE CRAFT INCLUDING AN ELONGATED FRAME, A FIRST PAIR OF PONTOONS, MEANS CONNECTING SAID PONTOONS IN PARALLEL RELATION ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE FORWARD PART OF SAID FRAME, A SECOND PAIR OF PONTOONS, MEANS CONNECTING SAID SECOND PONTOONS IN PARALLEL RELATION ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE REARWARD PART OF SAID FRAME, AND A PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SECURED TO SAID FRAME INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS THEREOF AND EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY TO A LOCUS SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE PLANE OF THE UPPER SURFACES SURFACES OF SAID PONTOONS. 